Feed the Hungry in Des Moines on MLK Day!

Honor Dr. King’s Legacy with Meals from the Heartland

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Meals from the Heartland is inviting volunteers on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, for a day of service and impact in Greater Des Moines (DSM). They are hosting two MLK Day Hunger Fights, one in West Des Moines and one in Des Moines.

Why Should You Volunteer on MLK Day?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the power of service to bring communities together and create meaningful change. By volunteering with Meals from the Heartland, you’ll not only honor his legacy but also play a vital role in fighting hunger. Every meal you package helps bring hope to families facing food insecurity right here in Iowa.

Volunteering on MLK Day is a powerful way to turn the holiday into a day of action, by helping to feed your neighbors in need. Whether it’s your first time packaging meals or you’re a recurring volunteer, your time and energy will make a significant difference.

Event Details

Hunger Fight Locations:

• West Des Moines Hunger Fight: Meals from the Heartland Packaging Center, 357 Lincoln St. — 520 volunteers needed!
• Des Moines Hunger Fight: Polk County River Place, 2309 Euclid Ave. — 135 volunteers needed!
• Time: Volunteer shifts are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., times will vary by location.

How You Can Get Involved

1. Sign Up to Volunteer — Registering is easy and saves your spot to volunteer. Choose your preferred location and shift here: Register for the MLK Hunger Fight
2. Help Us Spread the Word — Share this event with your friends, family, and coworkers. Volunteering together is a great way to make a difference. Encourage your network to join you in feeding Iowan’s facing food insecurity!
3. Donate to Support the Cause — Can’t attend? Your donation can still make an impact. A $75 donation helps feed a child for an entire year! Every dollar counts in the fight against hunger.

What Does It Mean to Join the Hunger Fight?

Volunteering with Meals from the Heartland means being part of a movement that changes lives. Each package you assemble contains a meal designed to nourish children and families who might otherwise go hungry.

Joining the Hunger Fight is about more than just packing meals, it’s about:

• Building community through teamwork and shared goals.
• Being a source of hope for families facing food insecurity.
• Honoring Dr. King’s vision of equality and service.

What to Expect as a Volunteer

Volunteering with Meals from the Heartland is fun, fast-paced, and family-friendly! Here’s what you can look forward to: • Working alongside a team of volunteers with a shared mission.

• Packing nutritious meals to be distributed to local food banks and pantries.
• Enjoying a sense of community and purpose.

No prior experience is needed. Our team will provide all the guidance and support you need. Whether you’re packaging meals, refilling supplies or donating, every role matters in the fight against hunger.

Why Your Help Matters

Hunger is a global issue, but it also affects families here in our local communities. By participating in the MLK Day Hunger Fights, you are directly addressing food insecurity and helping to provide hope to those who need it most. In 2024 alone, volunteers at Meals from the Heartland packaged 19 million meals. With your help, we aim to surpass that impact in 2025.

Stories of Impact

Volunteers from past Hunger Fights have shared their stories about the difference these events make:

• “I went to volunteer for their Annual Hunger Fight. They made it fun. They had plenty of people keeping the supplies stocked and cleaning up spills. The music was fun. They took group photos afterwards. Overall, a great time doing good things and a great staff of volunteers making it a fun experience.”
• “I've felt a sense of purpose every time I volunteered to package meals. Love in action!”

Your participation not only provides meals but also inspires hope and builds stronger communities.

Make MLK Day a Day of Service

Join us on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 to help bring hope to our community! Together, we’ll fight hunger and honor Dr. King’s legacy. Let’s make MLK Day a powerful day of service and community impact!

Ready to Volunteer? Sign up for the MLK Hunger Fight

We can’t wait to see you there!

Turn your day off into a day of action by joining Meals from the Heartland. Together, we can make a difference in Iowa, one meal at a time. Let’s honor Dr. King’s vision of service by taking a stand against hunger and building a brighter future for our neighbors in need.

For more information, visit mealsfromtheheartland.org/mlk-day-2025.

From Pride to Juneteenth to the Latino Heritage Festival, big, inclusive events are par for the course in Greater Des Moines (DSM). But there are smaller events celebrating diversity here, too. Attend one of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Receptions, an event celebrating veterans or a sensory-friendly event in the region. Learn more here.

Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.